The Vine and the Vinedresser: A Koine and Classical Greek Comparison of John 15:2

Πᾶν κλῆμα ἐν ἐμοὶ μὴ φέρον καρπόν, αἴρει αὐτό, καὶ πᾶν τὸ καρπὸν φέρον, καθαίρει αὐτὸ, ἵνα πλείονα καρπὸν φέρῃ.

Every branch in me that does not bear fruit, he removes it; and every branch that bears fruit, he prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. (John 15:2)

Koine Greek Grammar and Syntax Analysis

• πᾶν κλῆμα — Neuter singular: “every branch.” πᾶν modifies κλῆμα (“branch”), metaphorically representing individuals connected to Jesus.
• ἐν ἐμοὶ — Prepositional phrase with dative: “in me.” Indicates relational union with Christ, a theological motif common in John.
• μὴ φέρον καρπόν — Negative participial phrase: “not bearing fruit.” μὴ governs participles; φέρον is present active participle modifying κλῆμα.
• αἴρει αὐτό — Present active indicative, 3rd singular from αἴρω: “he removes it.” The implied subject is the Father (from verse 1).
• πᾶν τὸ καρπὸν φέρον — Another participial phrase, this time positive: “every [branch] bearing fruit.” Noun + participle in attributive construction.
• καθαίρει αὐτό — Present active indicative, 3rd singular from καθαίρω: “he prunes it.” Agricultural metaphor for spiritual discipline.
• ἵνα πλείονα καρπὸν φέρῃ — Final clause introduced by ἵνα. πλείονα is comparative accusative: “more.” φέρῃ is present active subjunctive: “may bear.” Purpose = increase in fruitfulness.

Comparison with Classical Greek Usage

• κλῆμα — While κλῆμα is used in Classical Greek for a vine branch, its metaphorical use for people is rare. The Johannine metaphor of disciples as branches is distinctively Koine.
• μὴ φέρον… vs. τὸ φέρον — Classical Greek prefers relative clauses (e.g., ὃ οὐ φέρει) over participial phrases in parallel contrast. Koine favors participles for compactness and rhetorical symmetry.
• αἴρει… καθαίρει — Both verbs are classical in form and meaning. However, the pruning metaphor as spiritual refinement is more prominent in Koine theology.
• ἵνα πλείονα φέρῃ — Use of ἵνα + subjunctive for purpose is common in both dialects, but the theological idea of fruitful spiritual productivity is a distinct Koine motif.
• Repetition of φέρω — The verbal repetition enhances rhetorical rhythm. Classical prose tends to avoid such direct repetition unless for deliberate poetic effect.

Semantic and Stylistic Shifts

• Organic unity imagery — The phrase “in me” and the use of branches conveys mystical union. Such imagery is more vivid and relational in Koine theology than in Classical philosophy.
• Function over elegance — The verse is designed for clarity and memorability, not elaborate periodic structure. Classical prose would likely embed more hypotaxis or stylistic variation.
• Participial ascription — Instead of descriptive clauses, Koine uses participles to compress ethical states (bearing vs. not bearing). This tightens theological contrast.
• Vocational imagery of pruning — The metaphor of καθαίρειν reveals an active divine role in shaping moral development. Classical literature uses pruning less as a moral metaphor.

Koine and Classical Comparison Table